Sheryl Sousa, Day 7: Zadar to Zagreb and Plitvicka National Park

A path along the beautiful waters of Plitvicka National Park

Aug 22, 2012

August 22

Yesterday was a full day. We checked out of our
hotel in Zadar and boarded our tour bus to head north. We
traveled two-and-a-half hours and stopped at Plitvicka National
Park. It was absolutely spectacular! Plitvicka is a
lush lake region with mountains, canyons, and waterfalls. The
water in the lakes is an unreal-looking shade of electric green,
and when you get close to the surface, it is so clear you can see
all the fish swimming.

We started at the top and hiked down into the canyon.
We made our way to a large waterfall, where several of the
guys took turns having their picture taken atop a large rock with
the waterfall cascading behind them. New profile photos for the web
site, perhaps? We took a unique team shot in front of the waterfall
as well.

The hike continued along a narrow wooden path that flowed
throughout the park. When we reached the bottom, we boarded a
small boat that took us to another section of the park.

On a trip marked by several modes of travel - planes,
boats, buses - at one point we saw a train in the park. Coach
Varney would have been proud of the player who shouted that we were
about to hit for the cycle. Sadly, we didn't need to board
the train, so we are still one mode shy.

Many of the guys commented that the park was one of the best
things they'd seen on the trip. They were all struck by how
lush the landscape was and how green the water. The day
before we had visited Pag island, which is a small group of
islands. The water at Pag was crystal blue like we have often
seen here, but the landscape was completely barren looking, almost
like the surface of the moon. Traveling to Pag, and then Plitvicka
on consecutive days made be contrast even more dramatic.

We spent a couple of hours in Plitvicka and then boarded our
bus again for two more hours to Zagreb, Croatia's capital city.
We reached Zagreb with just enough time to unpack and head
out to our third and final game. The game took
place in the town of Zabok, about 40 minutes more away.

Today we are scheduled to tour the city of Zagreb, a much
more metropolitan stop the others places we have visited along the
coast. I'm looking forward to learning more about the city
and it's history. Until tomorrow...